Trading in Peeps for trail walks

Saturday

Mar 30, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Real hikers have been walking all winter.

Real hikers have been walking all winter.

Not me. From the warm glow of my computer, I've seen photos posted to Facebook by my healthy friend Patti, showing vistas from places I've never seen in the Poconos. Places that are pretty far from a parking lot.

I want to be like Patti — out there living life. But the lazy side of me says, "Eh. Maybe tomorrow," as if there are endless tomorrows.

Speaking of tomorrow, it is Easter, for Christians, a day that proves life can be miraculously renewed.

It is also a day I will be confronted with one of my greatest weaknesses: Peeps. Those marshmallow treats coated in tinted, granulated sugar.

I doubt Patti would be taken in by those tiny, pleading, chocolate dot Peep eyes. But it has become difficult for me to pass on the Peeps. I am a chick-gobbling, computer-addicted disaster.

I wish I were joking, but it's not funny anymore.

I need renewal in my life to the tune of so many pounds. The miracle I am waiting for will come with exercise, motivation and the sacrifice of bad eating habits.

I plan to take up hiking. Probably a good idea for a Pike County resident.

Pike is surrounded by amazing hiking opportunities: The Appalachian Trail, the McDade Trail and countless paths in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, state forests and state gamelands.

All are free, many are rugged.

There is a fee to hike one of the most intriguing places in Pike County: Bushkill Falls, which opened this week. And I am not saying that just because you can end your hike there with funnel cake or ice cream.

Boardwalks, series of stairs, bridges and the peaceful sound of rushing water around many corners make this hike special.

There are easy trails and very steep, challenging trails, with hundreds of stairs to climb.

The 300-acre estate has eight waterfalls. It closed a month early last season after Hurricane Sandy blew through, downing some 70 trees on walkways, Bushkill Falls General Manager Donna Smith said.

It was difficult to get equipment onto the trail. A new 70-foot walkway on the red trail has been completed. The green trail has repaired walkways and railings.

Because it is private, there are no government grants or tax breaks to help with the cost of cleanup.

Bushkill Falls has been an attraction since 1904 and draws visitors from a 100-mile radius, mostly from New York and New Jersey.

"What time do you turn the falls off?" is a frequent question from guests, Smith said.

Last year, Bushkill Falls completed $800,000 in improvements to its food and beverage facility and gift and souvenir shops. The public can eat at the facility or shop the gift shop without paying trail admission.

You won't get a peep out of me if you see me on the trails. I'll be huffing and puffing.

Just know that I am being transformed to a new healthy life. If you are in the same shape, find a trail and join me in this renewal.

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